Lived Insights is led by Miles Goring and Astrid Hanlon who have both had direct experience of homelessness and addiction.
"We felt our voices were not heard at a painful time. Our struggles have shaped us but our passion to make sure nobody else feels alone, defines us. Real change happens when those with lived-experience are leading"
Founded in 2023 as a Community Interest Company (CIC), Lived Insights emerged in response to powerful conversations with people who have faced challenging circumstances and struggled to navigate support services. Their experiences highlighted a critical gap - too often support systems are designed without the voices of those they are meant to support - we exist to change that.
Working alongside people with direct experience of homelessness, addiction, mental ill-health, and the criminal justice system, we deliver qualitative, direct experience-led research. Spaces such as our weekly Community Research Café are facilitated together, to build relationships between individuals, community organisations, and public bodies, creating opportunities to actively shape the policies, services, and decisions that impact our local communities.
We want to ensure that every voice is valued and every experience has the power to create change by envisioning a society where lived experience drives lasting change. Our mission is to centre the voices of those most affected by support services, bringing their insight and ideas into the heart of decision-making. By connecting people with direct experience to those shaping policies and services, we aim to build more just, responsive, and human-centered support systems.
We want to ensure that every voice is valued and every experience has the power to create change.